Sixth-Ranked Cards Shut Out Providence 2-0

Sunday, September 29

Providence, RI

1:00 p.m.

University of Louisville

(8-1)

Providence

(5-4)

LOU

Providence

Carter Ayars carries the ball down the field

Photo by: Adam Creech | Louisville Athletics

September 29, 2019 | Field Hockey

Box Score UL 2 - PC 0 (PDF)

By: Lori Harmon

The sixth-ranked University of Louisville field hockey team wrapped up a six-game road stretch with a 2-0 win at Providence College Sunday afternoon. The Cards improve to 8-1 while the Friars drop to 5-4 on the season.

UofL got goals from junior Mercedes Pastor and senior Carter Ayars in the first and fourth quarters respectively and the Cardinals' defense did not allow a shot on goal en route to their third shutout of the season.

"A tough game on the road and we were able to get it done," said UofL head coach Justine Sowry. "We were solid defensively and did enough on the attack. I'm so proud of our team as we have been on the road four weeks in a row and the results have been positive. Our entire team and staff have all contributed and we are very excited to get back home!"

The Cardinals broke through with under three minutes remaining in the first half when Pastor connected on penalty corner assists from Ayars and junior Meghan Schneider.

Louisville took the lead into the break after outshooting Providence 5-2 and holding a 7-1 advantage in corners.

After a scoreless third quarter in which Louisville held the edge in shots (1-0) and penalty corners (2-1), the teams continued to play a midfield game in the fourth quarter until the final four minutes of the frame when Louisville earned back-to-back corners. Pastor sent a shot toward the goal and Ayars was there to deflect the shot past PC goalkeeper Lydia Rice.

In the game, Louisville held a 9-2 edge in shots with six of the Cardinals' shots falling on goal and an 11-2 advantage in corners.

Off to their best start since the 2016 season, UofL (8-1, 1-1) will return to Trager Stadium to open a six-game home stand starting with an ACC matchup against No. 21 Wake Forest Friday at 6 p.m.